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Friday, May 8, 2015

Don’t miss Disaster Alley tomorrow

This Saturday you are invited to the sixth annual Disaster Alley hosted by The City of Calgary! This fun, free family event, organized by Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), showcases first and other responders and gives you the opportunity to learn about how to be better prepared to withstand an emergency or disaster.

The day starts off at 10 a.m. with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Stampede Community Development Committee. Once your tummy is full it’s time to feed your curiosity with Disaster Alley opening its doors at 11 a.m. and running until 3 p.m. Both events are taking place in the east parking lot of McMahon Stadium (1817 Crowchild Tr. N.W.)

Who is going to be there?

For the past five years, Disaster Alley has become a family favourite, with exhibitors such as Alberta Health Services, ATCOGas, the Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Police Service, 9-1-1, and ENMAX.

Returning this year is STARS and HAWCS – you see them in the sky and Disaster Alley is a chance to get up close with both helicopters on the grounds (weather permitting).

Gibbs, one of two accelerant detection dogs working for the Calgary Fire Department, will be making the rounds and is always a hit with the kids. You can also meet our very own disaster response team Canada Task Force 2 (CANTF2) – one of only four such teams in the country.

New exhibitors this year include Corporate Security, EMS Foundation, and North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH).

Parks will also be on hand to talk about how to care for your trees after the September 2014 snowstorm. You can also pick up free mulch at Disaster Alley!

Why come out to Disaster Alley?

Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and guests will learn what simple, easy steps they can do to be better prepared themselves. This includes knowing the risks, making a plan, and stocking a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit.

Disaster Alley also helps close out Emergency Preparedness Week, an annual event coordinated by Public Safety Canada to build a culture of preparedness across Canada.